Paul Giamatti in Talks to Play The Rhino in 'Spider-Man 2' (Exclusive)

Paul Giamatti is in talks to join The Amazing Spider-Man 2 to play the villain known as The Rhino while Felicity Jones also is negotiating for an unspecified role.

The duo will bolster an already impressive cast. Andrew Garfield and Emma Stone are back as Peter Parker and Gwen Stacy, Jamie Foxx is portraying bad guy Electro, Shailene Woodley is Mary Jane Watson and Dane DeHaan is Harry Osborne.

The Rhino first appeared in Amazing Spider-Man #41 in 1966 as a thug from a Soviet Block country who wore a superhuman suit that made him invulnerable while giving him super-strength and super-speed. It also had a deadly horn on top.

In more recent comics, he became a sympathetic figure who found himself allying with Spider-Man.

The character that Jones would play has not been revealed.
The sequel, being directed by Marc Webb, is eyeing a February production start.

Giamatti last appeared in Rock of Ages and is currently shooting the JFK drama Parkland with Zac Efron and Jacki Weaver. He is repped by UTA, Kipperman Management and Sloane Offer.

British actress Jones may be best known for starring in Sundance darling Like Crazy and also appeared in Hysteria, the period romantic comedy about the invention of the first vibrator. She is repped by WME and Jodi Peikoff Law.

Rhino is a fun villain to use, but I'm having difficulties picturing Giamatti as Rhino. Though, funnily enough, these bizarre casting decisions are actually making me more excited to see this film to see how it turns out.

__________________

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arrow_22

Look for reports of mysterious heroism in the next 6 years. Then check back on this thread

Giamatti has been gunning for this role for years. It makes sense they'd try and get him for the role.

Now, this begs the question: what is Rhino's role in the script? Could TAS-M 2 involve a supervillain team-up? One of my favorite aspects of The Spectacular Spider-Man was the constant team-ups, particularly with Sandman and Rhino. Maybe Electro will be taking the place of Sandman in that dynamic.